Background　Postoperative visual loss is a severe complication for patients undergoing spinal surgery. Although the incidence of postoperative visual loss is low， the result is disastrous. Therefore， in recent years， this issue has been highly concerned by orthopedics， ophthalmology and anesthesiologists.　Objective　This paper reviews advances in researchs on visual loss after spinal surgery.　Content　The clinical profile， etiology and prevention measures of visual loss after spinal surgery are introduced.　Trend　Further understanding the exact etiology of the postoperative visual loss will help reduce postoperative ophthalmic complications after spinal surgery.